NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks Stepping Down at the End of the Year

NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks is resigning at the end of this year amid ongoing corruption probes affecting the Eric Adams administration.

At a Glance

David C. Banks, chancellor of New York City’s public school system, announced his resignation effective at the end of December.
The resignation announcement follows a bribery investigation involving Banks’s brothers and fiancée, although he reportedly says his decision was made before Banks’s home was raided.
Banks informed Mayor Eric Adams of his retirement plans during a meeting at Gracie Mansion.
Melissa Aviles-Ramos, a top deputy to Banks, is expected to succeed him.
Banks’ resignation announcement comes amid turmoil in Mayor Eric Adams’s administration.

David Banks’ Resignation

David C. Banks, the chancellor of New York City’s public school system, is resigning at the end of December. Announced amidst a federal bribery investigation, this resignation marks a significant moment in the ongoing turmoil within Mayor Eric Adams’s administration. Federal agents previously seized Banks’s phone, investigating ties to corrupt activities involving his brothers and fiancée. Banks informed Mayor Adams of his intention to retire during a meeting at Gracie Mansion.

Despite the timing of the announcement, officials reportedly say that Banks’ decision to retire was made before the federal agents raided his home on September 4. According to CBS News, Banks has denied that his decision has anything to do with the investigations. “I was so concerned about that because the mayor and I have been talking about this for quite some time and I said now everyone is going to think I’m leaving because of this stuff. It had nothing top[sic] do with that,” he said. He added he’s been doing this for four decades and “I’m tired.”

David Banks has been a prominent figure in the New York City public school system for nearly 40 years. Banks emphasized his commitment to the educational landscape of New York City. He pointed to accomplishments such as improving reading scores, expanding special education services, and welcoming migrant students. Mayor Adams praised Banks for spearheading initiatives like ‘NYC Reads,’ ‘NYC Solves,’ and universal dyslexia screenings.

Today, as @DOEChancellor Banks announces his retirement, we want to thank him for his nearly 40 years of service at New York City Public Schools.

Please join us in welcoming lifelong educator, Melissa Aviles-Ramos, as the new chancellor of @NYCSchools, effective January 1, 2025! pic.twitter.com/NVFcTKPQNh

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) September 25, 2024

Tension Within the Adams Administration

Banks’ resignation announcement comes amid broader instability within Mayor Eric Adams’s administration, which faces multiple federal corruption investigations. Banks is notably close to Mayor Adams, whose network has been under scrutiny for allegedly issuing illicit contracts. Adams has reportedly been indicted on federal charges amid a corruption investigation.

A number of other Adams administration-affiliated officials have also stepped down in recent months. For Instance, Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg recently announced her intention to step down. Edward Caban, the NYPD commissioner, resigned after having his devices confiscated by authorities.

Banks’ Successor

Melissa Aviles-Ramos has been named the next chancellor. She is currently a top deputy and former chief of staff to Banks.. The transition occurs as the Education Department faces significant challenges, such as addressing students’ academic performance and mental health post-2020 health emergency. Despite Banks’s departure announcement under a cloud of controversy, his dedication to education reform has left a lasting impact on NYC public schools.